Kenny Gainwell can be a Super Bowl X-factor
In Super Bowl 52 we watched undrafted rookie free agent Corey Clement explode in the game with four catches for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Now five years later in Super Bowl 57, another under-the-radar running back could be in for a big day on the biggest stage.
Kenny Gainwell has come alive here in the playoffs and has played himself into major usage in the two games. The second-year back in the Divisional Round led the Eagles with 112 yards on the ground and added a touchdown. In the NFC Championship Gainwell led the Eagles in rushing attempts with 14. He finished with 48 yards on the ground and added another 26 yards through the air.
It can be argued Gainwell has been the offensive MVP for the Eagles’ offense this postseason. Now heading into the Super Bowl, Gainwell could be in line for a massive game.
It will be interesting to see how the Eagles handle the running back snaps. Will they continue to feed Gainwell or will the Pro Bowler Miles Sanders get the bulk of the carries? Either way, Gainwell will see a bulk of work Sunday night. The Eagles will likely look to continue their strong work on the ground, especially after dominating the 49ers on the ground in the NFC Championship.
Gainwells ability in the passing game could also get him on the field a lot. He is the Eagles best receiving running back by far. There are a lot of ways Nick Sirianni can get Gainwell the ball and get creative with it. Gainwell even has the skill set to line up at receiver and cause mismatches against linebackers.
At the end of the day, the Eagles need to feed the hot hand in Gainwell. He’s come along as a key piece to the offense in the postseason. His rushing line is only set at 19.5 yards, but he should clear that number easily, especially as the team will look to dominate on the ground as they have this postseason.
Look for Gainwell to have a big game Sunday night.
Featured Image: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
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Categorized:Eagles